BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A fish kill along Patton Creek in the Vestavia Hills-Hoover area is raising fresh concerns about water quality in one of metro Birmingham’s most heavily developed watersheds, with environmental advocates saying the incident may be tied to a structure fire and state officials still investigating.
The Cahaba River Coalition said the creek stretch through Vestavia Hills and Hoover has been especially affected, and it asked residents to report dead fish with photos and locations as crews and regulators assess the damage. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has not yet publicly confirmed a cause.
The incident stands out because fish kills in Alabama are often linked to low oxygen, sewage discharges or other pollution events, while this case appears to involve fire-related runoff, a less common trigger. Patton Creek also has a recent history of water-quality concerns, including a Jefferson County no-contact advisory tied to sewer line damage from creek bank erosion.
Residents should avoid contact with affected water, and anyone who sees dead fish should note the time, location and approximate number and report it to local environmental groups or state officials.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM):
• During normal office hours: Nearest ADEM Field Office or Montgomery Branch Field Office at 1-334-260-2700
• 24/7 (after hours or emergencies): Alabama State Warning Point at 1-800-843-0699
• ADEM also accepts reports via its field offices (complete list available on their website)
For the Patton Creek Fish Kill Specifically:
• Cahaba River Coalition (investigating this kill): dbutler@cahabarivercoalition.org
• Media contact: David Butler, Executive Director and Riverkeeper
• Phone: (205) 322-5326 x1419
Residents should report the date, time, exact location, species (if known), and approximate number of dead fish when contacting these agencies.